CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 422,634	$ 639,926	$ (546,418)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses)	(11,107)	3,233	1,894
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	799	707	148
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation and other	64	220	121
Foreign currency translation adjustment	15,862	(3,332)	(8,738)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,618	828	(6,575)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	428,252	640,754	(552,993)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,465)	(12,179)	(12,817)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 419,787	$ 628,575	$ (565,810)